Distinguished alumnus to speak at MWCC graduation

GARDNER -- Forty years ago, Robert Regan set out each morning in a black 1965 Buick Special he bought for $1 from a neighbor to attend classes at Mount Wachusett Community College.

On May 16, Regan will deliver the keynote address before the college's graduates.

"I remember having my radio on and driving along Route 2," he said. "I had no power steering. There was a hole in the driver's side floor, but I had a hope and a dream that I was going to be able to get to the school that day."

Today, Regan is a distinguished executive recognized for consistent innovation in the production of groundbreaking digital media content and delivery strategies.

A native of Lowell, Regan has served as president and chief operating officer for Twin Entertainment, a joint venture of the U.S.-based Interactive Network and U.K.-based Two Way TV, Ltd.; senior vice president of programming and content for GTE MainStreet, the first two-way cable television service in the U.S.; executive producer of NBC's "Mall of America," the first major network shopping show; and senior vice president of programming, news and operations for the Financial News Network (now CNBC).

A 1975 graduate of Mount Wachusett Community College, Regan was honored as the school's alumnus of the Year in 1989.

"We are delighted to welcome distinguished alumnus Bob Regan back as our commencement speaker as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of MWCC," President Daniel Asquino said.

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"Bob's extraordinary career in the field of communications began here and went far, which makes him an inspiring role model for our graduates, who are moving forward with their own dreams and aspirations."

Regan attended MWCC from 1973 to 1975. After earning an associate's degree, he transferred to Worcester State College, now a university, and earned his bachelor's degree in media with a minor in secondary education in 1977, heeding his parent's advice about having a backup plan. He went on to Boston University to earn a master's degree in broadcasting in 1979 so he could teach at the college level.

Regan's career began that year as an intern at Boston's WCVB Channel 5, fetching coffee and bagels for celebrities such as the legendary actor Vincent Price. Regan was hired by the station soon after as a production assistant, then promoted to associate producer, and later moved over to WNAC, a CBS affiliate, and WNEV.

For the next 25 years, he worked with countless celebrities, including Price. Regan hired the avid art collector to host a show in the late 1980s. In short order, Regan was promoted to oversee the production of the syndicated shows "Let's Make a Deal," "Love Connection" and "The People's Court."

Regan credits MWCC and his former public communications professor, Vincent Ialenti, now dean of academic and institutional technology, with providing a strong academic foundation.

"I never imagined, when I was sitting at Mount Wachusett on my graduation day, what would happen in my career," Regan said. "The dream came true for the Irish kid from Lowell. I am blessed and I credit Vin. I don't know if he realizes how much of an impact he made on me, and how much of an impact Mount Wachusett makes on all of us."

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